Dreamers Who Do

Artists are dreamers. It doesn’t mean that they walk around with their heads in the clouds. It means they use the artistic process to express what they see, feel, hear, and know. Dreaming is crucial for artists because it provides ways of thinking and expressing knowledge that aren’t used in other fields. Dreaming helps artists mine the knowledge of their inner selves. In a sense, it’s a form of inquiry that develops understanding and examines experience.

I never made a painting as a work of art, it’s all research.

~ Pablo Picasso

While we all have various levels of dreaming in our lives, we don’t always know how or have the willingness to use processes that can help us bring those dreams to life. Artists choose to act on their dreams by expressing their visions, words, and sounds through their art forms. The willingness to go the extra step, to take action, and express themselves is what brings dreams to reality. Artists dream and do.

ARTISTS ARE DREAMERS

They maintain a unique sense of possibility and wonder.

They value things that may not be easily quantified.

They have a never-ending desire for finding and creating new connections.

They have empathy—an awareness and discerning eye.

They look upon the world with fresh eyes.

They’re passionate about their work and are willing to fight for their ideas.

ARTISTS ARE DOERS

They use the tools of their art form to bring their dreams into the physical world, not only for themselves, but for all to see, hear, feel, and use.

They practice.

They overcome their fears.

They get past the need for perfection.

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.

I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.

~ John Lennon

People who routinely dream big will realize their dreams if they develop and use the habits of mind that give form to their imaginings. Just as art can tell us something about the world and ourselves, the artistic process itself can give all of us insight into our personal emotions, values, and social conventions.

What stops you right now from realizing your dreams in life? There is an artist within you just waiting to come out. While it’s certainly easier to dream than to bring your visions and imaginings out into the world, it’s well worth the effort to seek the tools and to find the hunger and determination to bring your dreams to life.

The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers.

But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Stephen King has said that he can’t imagine how people without any kind of imaginative life live without going nuts. Theodore Roosevelt expands the idea by saying that you must “keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” Like art, true creativity in everyday life—living your life as art—requires both. When you use dreaming and doing together as a team, you have the potential to make your life better. You can use this “dreaming and doing team” like an artist to connect or reconnect with your deeply held principles, to face difficulties with graceful and simple solutions, and to reap the rewards of taking risks.